Body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means



y 1956 R. K. PALMER BODY ATTACHED PENCIL 0R PEN CONTAINER AND RETRACTING MEANS Filed April 29, 1955 INVENTOR RUNDLETTE K. PALMER -==1==- 5 BY 04 y ATTORNEY States atent BODY ATTACHED PENCIL 6R PEN ,(IQNTAENER AND RETRACTING MEANS This invention relates to writing accessories and more particularly to a convenient device to be attached to the wrist or forearm of the user and including means to retract a pen or pencil within the device during periods when such pen or pencil is not in use.

Heretofore, numerous types of pen or pencil holders incorporating retracting means have been proposed and utilized and some of these merely provided a retracting means for attachment to the apparel of the user and which serve to retract the pen or pencil out of the way during periods of non-use thereof. Other of these prior art devices included means for containing or housing the pen or pencil during periods of non-use,but many of these were relatively heavy and cumbersome and frequently impeded normal movements of the hand of the user when the pen or pencil was in retracted position. These prior art devices were likewise subject to frequent breakage or damage and they were of such construction that it was virtually imposible to repair or replace the retracting mechanism without completely dismantling the device and very often this operation rendered the device unfit for further use.

Devices of this nature have heretofore been somewhat objectionable due to the fact that often they were not of pleasing appearance and were uncomfortable .to wear and furthermore, in many instances, they were relatively costly thereby prohibiting sale of the same in a highly competitive market. These prior art devices in many cases,

ailed to provide adequate protection for the exposed point of the pen or pencil thereby permitting the same to soil or penetrate and damage the apparel of the user which resulted in infrequent use of such devices after an initial trial thereof.

it is accordingly an object of this invention to provide body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means which may be conveniently and economically manufactured from readily available materials which provides a decorative and pleasing appearance and which is comfortable to the wearer.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means having a conveniently usable pencil or pen point protecting covering to prevent soiling or damage of the apparel of the wearer.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting tea-as in which such retracting means may be conveniently removed and replaced without requiring the use of special tools or operations which might possibly render the device unfit for further use.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means in which such retracting means comprises a unitary structure which may be conveniently packaged as an individual unit for use in replacing damaged or defective retracting units.

A further object of the invention is the provision of Patented July 24, 1956 a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means in which the pencil or pen may be conveniently detached and used separately from the container and retracting means and conveniently attached thereto for use in conjunction therewith when desired.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a view in perspective showing a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means constructed in accordance with this invention and with the pencil or pen point covering or protecting means in operative position thereon;

Fig. 2, a bottom perspective view .of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, a fragmenttary perspective view showing the pen or pencil withdrawn from the container or housing and with the pencil or pen point covering means in in operative position;

Fig. 4, a side elevational view with parts in section for greater clarity and showing the tube providing a housing for the pen or pencil as well as the means for releasably holding the retracting means in operative position;

Fig. 5, a fragmentary elevational view showing the end of the pen or pencil receiving tube and one of the spring fingers for retaining the retracting means in operative position;

Fig. 6, a fragmentary sectional view showing the internal structure of the retracting mechanism and the manner of attaching the retracting spring and the flexible element;

Fig. 7, a fragmentary side elevational view showing the protective cover for the pen or pencil point in covering posit-ion and preparatory to removing the same from the pen or pencil point;

Fig. 8, a view similar to Fig. 7, with the protecting covering partially removed from the point of the pen or pencil; and

Fig. 9, a view similar to Fig. 7 and with the protecting covering completely removed from the point of the pen or pencil and preparatory to withdrawing the pen or pencil from the tube housing.

With continued reference to the drawing there is shown an elongated generally rectangular base 10 which may be formed of pliable material, such as leather, fabric, plastic or the like, and disposed on the upper surface of the base it) longitudinally thereof, is a housing 11 which may well comprise an elongated tube 12 of suitable diameter to receive a conventional pen or pencil 13. If desired, the pen or pencil 13 may be of the combination type which is now available and which includes mechanism for projecting or retracting either a pencil lead or a ball point pen. This pens or pencil forms no part of the present invention, however, and any suitable pen or pencil may be utilized. The pen or pencil 13 is provided with a ring 14 or other attaching means on the rear end thereof and the purpose and use of such attaching means will be later described.

As stated above, the housing 11 is disposed on the outer surface of the base 10 and such housing 11 is totally enclosed by an elongated hood 15 of pliable material preferably the same material as the base 10, and such hood may be conveniently secured to the base 10 by a lacing 16 of suitable pliable material or by any other desired means. The hood 15 is provided at one end with an enlarged portion 17, the purpose of which will be presently described, and the opposite end of the hood is provided with an opening 18 to provide access to the open end 19 of the tube 12 forming the housing 11, The hood 15 may be provided with wrist or arm embracing straps 2i and 21 extending from opposite sides thereof and a suitable buckle 22 or other desired fastening means may be provided for securely attaching the hood and base 10 as well as housing 11 to the back of the Wrist or forearm of the user.

The base 10 is provided on one end thereof adjacent the open end 19 of the tube 12 forming the housing 11, with a flap 23 which is folded to overlie the base 10 and such flap 23 may be attached adjacent the outer edges thereof by lacing or the like 24 to the base 10. Between the lacing or other attaching means 24 there is provided spaced substantially parallel slits 25 in the flap 23 which serves to provide a tab 29 which together with the flap 23 provides as best shown in Figs. 1, 7, 8 and 9, a pocket 36 for receiving and protecting the point 31 of the pen or pencil 13.

As best shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the tube 12 forming the housing 11, is provided on the end opposite the open end 19 with longitudinally extending, diametrically disposed resilient fingers 32 and 33 and such fingers are curved, as shown at 34 and 35 respectively, for a pur- The winding drum portion 44 is provided by spaced side 0 flanges 45 and 46 and the spring spool 47 is provided by spaced flanges 46 and 48. A coil spring 49 is disposed between the flanges 46 and 48 with the inner end thereof attached to the spring spool 47 and with the outer end 50 extending through an aperture 51 in the end portion 40 of the frame 37 to fix the end 50 of the spring 49 there in. A flexible element 52 has one end attached to the winding drum 44 and the free end 53 extends through an aperture 54 in the end portion 41 of the frame 37 and a spirally formed hook 55 is attached to the free end 53 of the flexible element 52. As will be seen, unwinding of the flexible element 52 from the winding drum 44 will serve to rotate such drum and wind the spring 49 in much the same manner as a clock spring which serve to exert a rotating force on the winding drum 44 to retract the flexible element 52 when released.

Disposed within the tube 12 adjacent the end thereof provided with the spring fingers 32 and 33 is a plug 56 of yieldable material, such as rubber, wood, cork or any other suitable material and such plug 56 is provided with an aperture 57 for permitting passage of the hook 55 and flexible element 52. The flexible element 52 and hook 55 extends through the aperture 57 in the plug 56 and is attached to the ring or other securing means 14 on the pencil 13, as shown in Fig. 3, to permit retraction of the pencil 13 within the tube 12 forming the housing 11.

The curved portions 34 and 35 of the resilient fingers 32 and 33 embrace the frame 37 of the retracting mechanism 36 and releasably hold the same in operative position, but in the event of breakage or damage to the retracting mechanism, the same may be conveniently removed by merely detaching the hook 55 from the ring 14 on the pencil 13 and by removing the retracting mechanism 36 from between the spring fingers 32 and 33. A new retracting mechanism may be supplied in a convenient package and inserted between the resilient fingers 32 and 33 and the hook 55 of the flexible element 52 attached to the ring 14 on the pencil 13 thereby making the device as good as new. Since the retracting mechanism 36 is the only part of the device likely to break or become damaged, this means of detachably holding the same in position permits convenient and simple repair of the device of this invention. Obviously, it is only necessary to detach the hood 15 from the base 10 a sufficient amount to permit withdrawal of the housing 11 carrying with it the retracting mechanism 36 and thereafter such mechanism may be conveniently repaired or replaced and the housing 11 inserted in the hood 15 and such hood secured to the base 10.

With the pencil 13 retracted within the housing 11, the tab 29 is manipulated to position the point 31 of the pen or pencil 13 within the protecting pocket 30 and thereby damage or soiling of the apparel of the user is prevented and the tab 29 may be conveniently grasped in the fingers of the user to remove the point 31 of the pencil or pen 13 from the pocket 30 in order to permit withdrawal of the pen or pencil 13 from the housing 11 and use thereof by the user. Upon release of the pen or pencil 13 by the fingers of the user, the same will be automatically retracted within the housing 11 and if the same is not to be used for an appreciable period of time, the tab 29 may be manipulated to place the point 31 within the protecting pocket 30.

The housing 11 may be made of lightweight aluminum or other suitable material and since the winding drum and spring spool 43 is relatively small, little weight is added to the device by the retracting mechanism 36 and consequently, the device may be made of sufliciently lightweight to be conveniently utilized without discomfort and without in any way impeding the movements of the wearer.

It will be seen that by the above described invention there has been provided a body attached pencil or pen container and retracting means which may be conveniently and economically manufactured to provide a lightweight device which is both eificient and pleasing in appearance and one which may be conveniently repaired in the case of damage or breakage. The device also pro vides means, as described above, for covering the point of the pen or pencil in order to prevent soiling or damage to the apparel of the user. The device will retain a pen or pencil in position for convenient use and automatically retract the same after completion of the use thereof.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawing and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube and completely enclosing the same, said hood having an opening in one end to provide access to an open end of said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means on said hood for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, curved resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube within said hood, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a one-piece frame having spaced substantially parallel side members and end portions extending therebetween, an axle rotatably mounted on said side members and disposed transversely of said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool fixed to said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to one end portion of said frame, the opposite end portion of said frame having an aperture, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and the free end extending through said aperture and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of the pen or pencil, a plug of yieldable material fixed in said tube adjacent said opposite end, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said base, and transversely spaced means securing said flap to said base, said flap having spaced parallel longitudinal slits in the central portion thereof providing a tab, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil and disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

2. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching the hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means on said hood for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, curved resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube within said hood, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a one-piece frame having spaced substantially parallel side members and end portions extending therebetween, an axle rotatably mounted on said side members and disposed transversely of said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool fixed to said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to one end portion of said frame, the opposite end portion of said frame having an aperture, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and the free end extending through said aperture and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, a plug of yieldable material fixed to said tube adjacent said opposite end, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap in the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said base, and transversely spaced means securing said flap to said base, said flap having spaced parallel longitudinal slits in the central portion thereof providing a tab, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

3. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably secur ng said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame having spaced substantially parallel side members and end portions extending therebetween, an axle rotatably mounted on said side members and disposed transversely of said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool fixed to said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to one end portion of said frame, the opposite end portion of said frame having an aperture, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and the free end extending through said aperture and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, at fiap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said 'base, and transversely spaced means securing said flap to said base, said flap having spaced parallel longitudinal slits in the central portion thereof providing a tab, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

4. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame having spaced substantially parallel side members and end portions extending therebetween, an axle mounted on said side members and disposed transversely of said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, coil springs disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded .to overlie said base, and transversely spaced means securing said flap to said base, said flap having spaced parallel longitudinal slits in the central portion thereof providing a tab, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving a projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

5. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said base, and transversely spaced means securing said flap to said base, said flap having spaced parallel longitudinal slits in the central portion thereof providing a tab, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

6. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a unitary winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said Winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said base, means securing said flap to said base and a tab on said flap, the base of said tab and fiap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

7. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said Winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, a flap on the end of said base adjacent the open end of said tube, said flap being folded to overlie said base, means securing said flap to said base and a tab on said flap, the base of said tab and flap providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be Withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

8. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comlit) prising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said spring, and means on said base adjacent the open end of said tube providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

9. A writing accessory of the character described comprising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said winding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element for removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, and means providing a pocket for receiving the projecting end of said pen or pencil when disposed in retracted position within said tube, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

10. A writing accessory of the character described com prising an elongated generally rectangular base of pliable material, an elongated tube having an open end and providing a housing disposed on said base longitudinally thereof, a hood of pliable material disposed over said tube, means releasably attaching said hood to said base to secure said tube in place thereon, means for detachably securing said hood and base to the wrist of the user, resilient fingers extending longitudinally from the opposite end of said tube, a unitary retracting mechanism comprising a frame, an axle mounted on said frame, a winding drum and spring spool mounted on said axle, a coil spring disposed on said spool with the inner end fixed to said spool and the outer end fixed to said frame, a flexible element having one end attached to said Win-ding drum and means on the free end of said flexible element removably attaching the same to the rear end of a pen or pencil, said unitary winding mechanism being disposed between said fingers and removably held in place by the engagement of said fingers with said frame, said retracting mechanism enabling said pen or pencil to be withdrawn from said tube and held by the fingers of the user in writing position and upon release thereof to be retracted within said tube by said flexible element and spring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,411,767 Zubryd Apr. 4, 1922 1,531,539 Buedall Mar. 31, 1925 1,799,688 Jafie Apr. 7, 1931 

